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Project
Volunteer Staff Information
Questions:
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Bill Pagel (billpagel@adventures.org): 800-881-2461 ext. 290.
Volunteer Staff Roles
Volunteer staff assist the project leader during projects in a variety
of roles. The larger the project, the more support staff needed. Volunteer
staff take responsibility for a particular role and the duties that
fall under that role. They are accountable to the project leader,
but need to have the maturity to be responsible in the role they assume.
- Outreach Coordinator: for children's ministry, sports evangelism, and
orphanage ministries.
- Construction Coordinator: manages building materials,
trains and aids groups in construction or remodeling service/work
projects.
- Evangelism/Prayer Coordinator: trains and leads ministry
teams assigned to prayer and door-to-door evangelism; responsible
for Sunday prayer walk and morning concert of prayer (unless otherwise assigned). Works whomever is coordinating the logistics to plan and lead
evening outreaches.
- Logistics Coordinator: Responsible for oversight of project
schedule, lunch prep, vehicle assignments, and general management
of project details.
- Cook: Responsible for food shopping and meal preparation
during the week. Organizes students into work crews for dish washing
and clean-up. This is usually a hired position.
- General Volunteer Staff: On a small project, this person
would assist the Project Leader in all of the above roles. On
large projects, this person might float between coordinators to
lend a hand whenever needed.
Volunteer Staff Qualifications Adventures In Missions' ability
to field outstanding mission projects depends in large measure on
the availability and quality of our volunteer staff. Good staff assistance,
not just warm bodies, can materially improve our ability to achieve
our mission to see project participants become home missionaries.
To ensure project excellence, AIM has developed the following standards
and requirements for volunteer staff:
- High School Graduate and Minimum 18 Years of Age - If
an immediate graduate or underage, the project leader proposing
the person as staff will have to provide written justification
for their inclusion to AIM's Leadership Development Assistant. Upon approval,
the proposed staff person can attend the project.
- Competency - Mission project staff are to be competent
in the area of operations in which they are to work.
- Paperwork - All Volunteer Staff must fill out an application, reference form and medical release. AIM will do a background check on all Volunteer Staff.
- Cost - All Volunteer Staff must pay for their transportation to and from the project as well as ground fees of $100 to cover food and lodging during the trip.
Financial Expectations Volunteer staff cover their cost of
travel to and from the project and pay a weekly amount to cover expenses,
commonly as follows (variations may be necessary depending on location
specifics):
***Volunteer Scholarship Fund - Some volunteers may find
it very difficult to raise money. These people may apply to AIM
for a scholarship to cover their weekly cost. The Leadership Development
Coordinator will administer this scholarship on a case-by-case
basis in AIM's Gainesville offices.
Paperwork
Prior to departure for the field, all required documentation must be on file with the Leadership Development Assistant in AIM's Gainesville office. This includes a completed two-page application, a reference form, and a copy of the notarized medical release. AIM will conduct a background check on all Volunteer Staff.
Medical Release: We need a new medical release every year.
If you are 19 or older and not currently under the care of a doctor,
you do not need to get a physical or the doctor's signature. We need a notarized copy of your medical release on file in the office, the original stays with you during the project and someone else should know where
it is in case of emergency.
Children of Volunteer Staff
There must be a plan of supervision, approved by AIM's Leadership Development Coordinator, for all children of staff attending a mission project.
They will be charged at the same rate as the volunteer.
Travel
Volunteer Staff are responsible for arranging and paying for all of their travel to and from the project.
Pray always - Prayer is the most powerful weapon we have. Use
it often. Find opportunities to pray with both students and adult
participants.
Know your role - Study the responsibilities you've been given.
Ask the Project Leader to clarify for you, if you are unclear on any
aspect.
Complete your assignment - Be the best at what you do. Remember
to bring glory to the Lord even in the smallest thing.
Keep the schedule - It is hard to mobilize large groups of
people. Help your Project Leader watch the schedule. Help hustle along
participants so they are on time.
Project Leader is the authority - Leadership is not easy. Make
your Project Leader's job easier by asking how you can help. Follow
through willingly and cheerfully on the assignments he/she gives you.
Never criticize the Project Leader behind his/her back; ask for a
private meeting to air your concerns.
Customer is King - Never argue with an AIM customer--treat
them with respect. Facilitate their ministry. Never yell at participants;
group leaders must discipline, not you. Take any chronic problems
to the Project Leader in private.
Resolve conflicts quickly - If you have a conflict with someone,
you must make an effort to resolve it before the day is over. Get
help from another person, if necessary.
No alcohol, drugs, bad language, or smoking - If you break
any of these rules, your Project Leader is under instruction to send
you home immediately. We will be strict with these infractions - count
on it.
You represent AIM - During the course of the project, you work
for Adventures In Missions. People will be watching everything you
do. You must seek to protect AIM's good name with your actions.
Male/female relationships - Be cautious in your relationship
with those of the opposite sex. You should never be alone with someone
of the opposite gender (unless it is your spouse). Encourage students
to talk with someone of their own gender. Hugs, backrubs, etc. can
be seen as inappropriate by some - think twice!
Don't wander - Stay within the camp compound or on the project
site unless you obtain permission from the Project Leader. If you
do leave either of these areas, don't take risks.
Don't cause another to stumble - Because you are an AIM leader
and others observe you, your mistakes are magnified. Should others
observe you doing things which they consider inappropriate, the consequences
of your actions may be far greater than you might imagine. Avoid theological
conflicts. Focus on what unifies us - our faith in Christ.
Driving - No one under 21 may drive AIM vehicles. Drivers must
pay for their own tickets, including speeding. Driving outside the
U.S. can be a dicey proposition. The rules of the road are different.
Always stay with your caravan. If there are more than five in a caravan,
break up into two caravans.
Project or AIM funds - If you take AIM funds, sign an IOU.
You are responsible for the funds. Your responsibility ceases when
you return a receipt (plus change) equivalent to the amount you were
given.
Preach safety - We can't be too careful on work projects. Ask
participants to be cautious at all times. Give safety tips where appropriate.
Insurance - AIM does not offer any health coverage for summer
staff. There are several groups that offer short-term coverage listed
on a sheet in this packet.
Staff roles - Please acquaint yourself not only with your fellow
staff members, but also with the roles which they will fulfill. Treat
other staff members with love and respect.
Time off - Participants will use time off to relax. You may
be asked to use that time to prepare for an evening outreach, the
next day's activities, or the next mission project.
Devotions - Even though we are all very busy, schedule time
to be alone with the Lord. Afternoons or early mornings are usually
best.
Peace of mind - With all the activity, it will be natural to
be frazzled at times. Pace yourself. Find times to just be alone and
regain your peace of mind.
Emergencies - If an emergency occurs, the Project Leader has
complete authority to take care of it. As soon as possible after dealing
with the emergency, he/she will call the home office to apprise them
of the situation.
GOT QUESTIONS?
Please call me! I'll be happy to answer your questions, make
suggestions, discuss mission scenarios, role play, or whatever is
necessary so you may be more effective and fulfilled in the field.
Let's talk… Bill Pagel (billpagel@adventures.org)
800-881-2461 ext. 290
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